Girona 0-1 Barcelona: Player Ratings

Barcelona’s third 1-0 win in a row saw them cement a 13-game unbeaten run as they scraped through against mid-table Girona at Estadi Montilivi.

As one would have expected, it was a scrappy win for Barcelona, who were unable to break the opposition’s low-block. Their task only got harder as Ousmane Dembele was subbed off due to an injury in the first half.

Eventually, super substitutes Pedri and Jordi Alba helped Barcelona create the only goal of the match in the 61st minute, after which there was not a single decent chance for the visitors.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 6

Ter Stegen was largely untroubled with shots, but did well with his distribution, as always.

Jules Kounde: 7

Solid on the right, and constantly made himself available in possession. Kounde progressed the ball brilliantly and was a bright spark again today.

Ronald Araujo: 7

Another defensive masterclass by Araujo, who got the better of the Girona attack every single time. His long passing was immaculate, too. Clearly growing as a footballer.

Eric Garcia: 7.5

Defended on the front foot from the start, and as always, an incredible asset with the ball, breaking lines from deep and opening up gaps. Absolute rock in the final minutes of the game, helping maintain the clean sheet.

Marcos Alonso: 5

Alonso’s athleticism – or the lack thereof – makes him very easy to mark as a full-back. Could not cope with Barcelona’s own attacking energy.

Gavi: 6

Did alright, both as a central midfielder and then as a winger when Dembele got injured. Committed multiple avoidable fouls in the middle third, though.

Sergio Busquets: 6

Busquets did well with Pedri and de Jong every now and then, but was not sharp enough on multiple occasions, killing potential attacks.

Frenkie de Jong: 6

De Jong was playing a much deeper role tonight, dropping to cover for Alonso, and breaking lines from there. Was sound defensively as well, stopping multiple Girona counters on the break. Regressed in the second half with his composure, though.

Raphinha: 6

Broke lines every now and then with his passing, but much like the rest of the team, often failed to find his man. Raphinha’s importance is bound to increase now with Dembele injured, though, and he needs to step up accordingly.

Ansu Fati: 5

Fati could not take a perfect first touch to save his life today, but dropped deep ever so often to act as an ideal linkup between midfield and attack.

Ousmane Dembele: N/A

Was hooked within 25 minutes due to injury.

SUBSTITUTES:

Pedri: 8

Came on early and brought some much-need composure to the Barcelona midfield. While evidently far from his best, Pedri still ended up scoring the only goal of the game on his 100th appearance.

Jordi Alba: 8

Jordi Alba was the true game-changer, today, coming on at half-time to add some necessary creativity in the final third. Got the assist for Pedri’s goal. Man of the match.

Alejandro blade: 6

Intercepted attacks well flank with his incredible pace, but probably came on too late.

Franck Kessie: N/A

Came on too late to warrant a rating.